Digital Tools

A Meta Quest 3S headset and in a display case.

Virtual Reality is an innovative digital tool to address this challenge. VR headsets (e.g., Meta Quest) with 360-degree videos can simulate real-world pharmacy environments, such as inpatient wards, outpatient pharmacies, and counselling clinics, giving students an immersive experience resembling actual practice settings. This technology allows learners to navigate complex scenarios, enhance spatial understanding, and develop clinical reasoning skills remotely and repeatedly, which is especially beneficial when access to physical sites is limited. (Coyne et al., 2019).

Other digital tools, like simulation software with interactive cases or apps that provide tailored feedback, can further support active learning by allowing students to engage in problem-solving and reflection asynchronously or in mixed-reality environments.

>> HARDWARE

>> SOFTWARE

>> FURTHER APPLICATIONS

>> STRENGTHS & BARRIERS

Hardware

Meta Quest’s high-resolution displays can clearly depict anatomical models and physiological processes, supporting comprehension of foundational concepts. Advanced tracking systems and TruTouch haptic feedback enable realistic interaction with virtual environments, allowing students to safely develop practical skills in low-stakes settings. Features like multi-user support and replaceable facial interfaces make the system economically viable for shared use. As a stand-alone device, untethered from a computer, and with central control of multiple headsets, Meta Quest offers a scalable and efficient solution for multi-student labs. Meta for Education further enhances this by supporting hands-on skills training in the classroom, resulting in improved learning outcomes and better exam performance. Students report more efficient learning and higher levels of engagement (Meta, n.d.).

Meta Quest Equipment

Meta Quest includes a headset that can be adapted for different head and face shapes. Meta Quest 3, the newest version, also has full-colour passthrough, allowing blending of real-world classroom/lab equipment with virtual overlays. It also supports manual interaction through haptic-enabled hand controllers or precision hand tracking for fine motor tasks.

Meta Horizon Managed Solutions

Meta Horizon Managed Solutions, available with Meta for Education, features Shared Mode for multi-user access, centralized device and app management, managed accounts for staff and students, and seamless onboarding support. It also enables integration with platforms for performance tracking and formative assessments, making it an effective and efficient tool for integration of VR into the classroom. To verify if your institution qualifies for Meta for Education, visit https://work.meta.com/help/925492862493334/?helpref=uf_share

Beginner's Guide

A walk-through of how to set up and use the Meta Quest 3 for general use (Eat Sleep VR, 2023).

Software

Versus Games offers immersive VR and AR simulations that replicate real-world pharmaceutical environments. Their interactive training modules enable students to explore various pharmacy environments and simulations, including pharmacy operations, chemical labs, and cleanroom production, without the need for physical equipment. These simulations accelerate learning by offering hands-on practice in a safe, virtual space, helping students build confidence and competence in complex procedures. By integrating Versus Games' solutions into the curriculum, institutions can reduce training costs, improve safety, and provide flexible, scalable learning experiences that bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice

Pharmacy Operations Simulation

Developed by Versus Games, Pharmacy Simulator is an interactive learning tool designed to help students practice essential pharmacy skills, such as communication, product selection, and dispensing, through realistic patient scenarios. It also includes scenario editing tools, allowing educators to create and share custom cases, making it a flexible and engaging resource for pharmacy education.

Foundational Knowledge

VR learning tools can be used to increase student engagement in learning foundational knowledge, such as chemistry and anatomy. For example, Versus Games has developed a human anatomy module featuring animations and interactive, close-up exploration to allow an immersive learning experience of the human body.

Further Applications

Clinical Skills

Hands-on practice with clinical skills enhances student competence and confidence by providing experiential learning in a low-risk environment (inciteVR, 2021).

Image depicts a virtual pharmacy showing a customer speaking to a pharmacist. The customer says, “My doctor has changed my heart pills again.” The pharmacist, identified as “Player,” responds with, “Hi, I’m Player, the pharmacist on duty. How can I help you?” Dialogue options available to the user include “Greetings,” “Questions,” “Advice,” and “End.” Shelves of medications and a refrigerator with drinks are visible in the background.

Patient Interactions

Students can interact with a variety of unique virtual patients who display realistic emotions, behaviours, and responses. Patients can be designed with varying clinical needs and levels of difficulty, giving students the opportunity to practice interacting with challenging or complex individuals (Versus Games, n.d.).

A device management dashboard displaying a list of four Meta Quest 2 headsets. Each device entry includes the name of the owner (Yasemin Aksoy, Lucie Yamamoto, Barbara Johnson, Reena Kumari), device group (all listed as “Ungrouped”), model (Meta Quest 2), OS version (2198532.86140.4), and battery status (100% for all). Interface options such as “Create Device Group” and “Export List” appear at the top.

Classroom Integration

Meta Horizon managed solutions streamline the management of multiple devices and users in educational settings. Shared Mode enables Meta Quest headsets to be used by multiple students, making them ideal for lab environments. With centralized device setup, instructors can preload educational modules and apps across all headsets, manage user access, and monitor student progress, all from a single dashboard (Meta, n.d.).

Aseptic Work - Farmasia VR

Aseptic Work - FarmasiaVR is a virtual reality game designed to teach aseptic techniques in a simulated pharmaceutical laboratory environment. It is available on the Meta Quest platform and allows users to practice the following procedures within a virtual setting:

Controls tutorial
Fire safety (Including multiple scenarios)
Changing room (Washing hands and gearing up for aseptic work)
Membrane Filtration (Preparation room and aseptic work)
Plate Count Method (Aseptic work)

The game was developed in collaboration with the University of Helsinki and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Advantages and Challenges

Person in a white lab coat wearing a VR headset, with the text "ADVANTAGES OF VR IN PHARMACY EDUCATION." Background includes icons of a brain, bar chart with an upward arrow, handshake, and a shield with a cross.

Advantages in Pharmacy Education

Immersive learning environment improves comprehension of abstract pharmacological concepts.
Safe practice environment to practice high-risk and complex procedures.
Repeatable and scalable training allowing students to learn at their own pace.
Alignment with accreditation standards supporting experiential learning and competency-based education.

(Alkhudair et al., 2024; Coyne et al., 2019)

Person wearing a virtual reality headset on the right side of an orange background. Icons include a lightning bolt, question mark, upward arrow, and apple. Text reads: "CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK."

Challenges and Future Outlook

High costs of hardware and software.
Limited pharmacy-specific content available.
Educators and students may require training.
Hands-on skills like compounding are hard to replicate due to tactile limitations.
Incorporation of haptic feedback may be challenging

(Coyne et al., 2019)

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